After the treaty that ended the Opium War, China’s economic stability fell.
More foreigners were able to enter China because of the Treaty of Nanjing and they influenced little groups of Chinese people to accept Westernization.
Many Chinese were still addicted to the opium drug.
Open Door Policy caused even more foreigners to have rights to enter China and trade in their territory.
European countries gained control of some parts of China.
Industrial Revolution strengthened the powers of the European countries surrounding China and they weakened the civilization.
Empress Cixi preferred to spend China’s money on her palace and for selfish reasons which made China more vulnerable to foreigners.
Taiping Rebellion (1850-1864)
A peasant rebellion
Leader was Hong Xiuquan, a village schoolteacher
He supported reform, equality for men and women, and he hated the Qing Dynasty
He was influenced by Christian missionaries
Government crushed the rebellion after fourteen years.
Caused the death of 20-30 million and weakened the power of China which allowed more European countries to seize Chinese lands.
Economic Problems